The Defense Ministry said Tuesday the Maritime Self-Defense Force will hold three days of joint training exercises this month with the United States and France off the western coast of Kyushu.
The drills will take place this Saturday and Sunday and May 23.
French warships will also make a port call in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture.
Participating vessels are to include a French amphibious assault ship and a U.S. frigate, as well as a MSDF transport ship and helicopters. The MSDF will practice on-deck takeoffs and landings with France and communications with the United States.